Doctor reveals the most common mistake when lowering cholesterol: 'It can make it worse'
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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body and although it is vital for the body to function properly, too much of it can increase the risk of coronary artery disease , according to the 'MedlinePlus' portal.
There are two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. These are two types of lipoproteins, a combination of fats and proteins that need to join together in order to move through the blood, explains the site mentioned above.
Cholesterol is involved in several vital processes, such as digestion or the formation of hormones. That is why people must be in control to know what their levels are and not exceed them.
Dr. Luis Miguel García, president of the Aragonese Association of Family and Community Medicine, explains a little more about the cholesterol process in the body.
“One is carried out with the cholesterol that is recycled and does not accumulate, which is the good cholesterol, and another is carried out with the excess cholesterol, to store it or expel it, which is the bad cholesterol ,” García adds.
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High cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Photo: Istock
According to 'MedlinePlus', low-density cholesterol or LDL, better known as bad cholesterol, is deposited in the arteries and can obstruct circulation, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important not only to lower it, but to combat it.
This is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to lowering cholesterol Sometimes it is not easy to balance it out and this is because many people make different mistakes when it comes to eating. That is why the British doctor and populariser, Tim Spector, explains what these mistakes are when it comes to reducing it.
“Cutting out fats completely to lower cholesterol is nonsense. Eating a high-fat diet can improve cholesterol, while eating a high-carb diet can make it worse ,” Spector says.
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Good nutrition is key to avoiding high cholesterol. Photo: iStock
When levels of fat are high in the arteries, fat accumulates, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, says the expert.
According to the expert, the most important thing is to add healthy fats such as polyunsaturated fats and even monounsaturated fats to your daily diet in order to keep bad cholesterol at bay.
Likewise, it is also important to exercise to prevent diseases, as well as to avoid all ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, among others.
If you increase your intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, you can reduce your intake of saturated fats , which make bad cholesterol worse, causing disease.
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